Library Lending Policy

Borrower’s Agreement

The holder of a Fowler Public Library card may borrow circulating library materials and access the Library’s Internet workstations and most subscription databases.

The Fowler Public Library issues a library card to an individual. The card may be used only by the person to whom it has been issued. The card or the patron card number must be presented by the cardholder to access his or her record. The individual to whom the card is issued is responsible for the following:

the return, in good condition, of all materials borrowed

payment of fines incurred for any overdue, damaged, or lost material

immediately reporting a lost or stolen card and any changes in name, address, phone number, or e-mail address

all charges/activity associated with cardholder’s account unless the card is reported lost

complying with all library rules and guidelines

Parents or guardians of a library card holder agree to be responsible for the above and to teach their child library rules and guidelines to help him or her use the card.

Hard copy and online access to the Fowler Library Lending Policy will be provided.

Fowler Public Library cards and patron numbers will be issued only after patrons have submitted all needed information and have signed the Borrower’s Agreement. At this time, there is no charge for a library card at Fowler Public Library.

Children under the age of eighteen will need a parent or guardian signature to validate their Borrower’s Agreement.

Limits

A Fowler Public Library card, or the patron card number, allows a patron to check out 10 items overall at any one time. However, a few types of items are more limited.

Music CDs, DVDs, Audiobooks, Magazines, and Videotapes have a limit of 2 per patron at any one time.

Loan Periods

Two Weeks: Books, Audiobooks, Magazines —One Renewal allowed

Seven Days: Music CDs, Videos, DVDs, and CD-Roms—-Non-Renewable

Renewals

If no one has a hold placed on an item, all items eligible for renewal may be renewed at least one time. Renewals can be made by logging onto the individual patron’s account online and renewing online, or calling us during open hours at 620-646-5550. For all methods of renewal, the patron will need to have their library card number and the materials wanted to renew available for the process.

Returns

Patrons are able to return materials inside the library during regular hours or outside after hours in the available book drop.

Returns and renewals are processed in “real time.” Because of this, patrons will need to return or renew materials before midnight on the due date.

Overdue Fines

Fowler Public Library will charge an overdue fine of 25 cents per day for each item overdue. Fines are charged until the item(s) have been properly returned. Patrons will need to return or renew materials before midnight on the due date to avoid being charged fines.

When a patron’s fine reaches the limit of $5.00, that patron will not be able to checkout any materials or renew online, until the fine is paid and the materials are returned. Payments can be made by cash or check (payable to the Fowler Public Library). In the case of a check, the patron will have to wait until the check has been deposited and cleared before renewal/check-out opportunities are reinstated.

The Circulation Desk will provide a computer print-out receipt when patrons check out books that will clearly show what items have been checked out and the item’s and/or items’ due date.

Lost or Damaged Materials

In the event that materials are lost or damaged, the card holder, or card holder’s parent/ guardian, is responsible for reimbursing the Fowler Public Library the cost of the item plus a handling fee of $5.00.

Requests or Holds

Patrons may request to put a HOLD on Books, Audiobooks, CD-Roms, and DVDs/Videos that are currently checked out. This can be done through the website, in person, or over the phone.

When the item becomes available, the library will contact that patron via phone or e-mail (if the correct

e-mail address had been submitted) or in person. The item will be held for the patron for three days from the notification date.

Patrons are allowed a HOLD/Request total of 2 items at any one time.

The right and privilege to borrow any material from the Fowler Public Library will be revoked if a patron fails to comply with this agreement.

Reinstatement will be considered upon making a formal request and meeting with the Fowler Public Library Board.